Change in China

Twelve Geneva students accompanied Dr. Randy Nutter, the chair of Geneva′s business department, on a brief but eye-opening trip to China this summer.

The two-week adventure introduced the group-mostly business majors-to the country′s booming markets, highly developed technology and compelling business practices. The students experienced a little of everything: the Chinese culture, economics, political system, history and art. They also saw for themselves a region ripe for the Gospel.

"All of us would say that the trip was worth much, much more than we could ever pay for," says junior business major Sophia Jeune, who plans to pursue international business. "We didn′t go with the purpose of evangelizing, but a lot of people were really interested in what made our group different."

The packed itinerary included everything from classroom lectures at Southeast University in Nanjing and tours of various companies and cities to survival language training and traditional Chinese meals. But the group also found time each morning for something more.

"We started each day with prayer and devotions in the lobby of the hotel or our classroom," Nutter says. "Many Chinese believe that there is a power greater than them, but do not know God and our Savior. They are seeking. We were able to talk to many about faith and met fellow believers as well."

A former president of Geneva′s board of trustees helped facilitate the trip by making a significant gift toward the students′ airfare.

"Without this support, many of the 12 would not have been able to go," Nutter says.

Nutter has taught business courses in China on previous occasions and will return there later this year to plan for next year′s trip.